Bundy in 140 characters or less:
|
| Advanced prep arm w/ace
upside; potential ++ FB/CT combo w/+ CB; strong, sturdy w/easy mechanics; size, HS comp, prev workload some concern. |
Scouted:
- Spring 2011 Scout
Video (Owasso, Okla.), Spring 2011 (film)
- Summer 2010 Scout Video (DBAT Mustangs), Summer 2010
(film)
- WWBA World Championship (Jupiter, Fla.), October 22-26, 2009 (film)
- PG Nationals (Tampa, Fla.), June 14-15, 2009 (film)
Physical Description:
Thick,
sturdy build. Strength concentrated in thighs/butt, but well proportioned throughout. Athletic. Little projection.
Motion:
Bundy generates his
velocity and big spin on his breaking balls through a quick arm and explosive lower half. He gets quick drive out of his powerful
legs and butt, rotating through with a strong core. Additionally, like Sonny Gray, Bundy uses a low ball drop to start his
arm circle, which gives him extra time to accelerate the ball through release (think of a car accelerating in a straight line,
measuring speed once at 200 ft and once at 300 ft). Bundy is strong and athletic, showing little trouble maintaining his mechanics
and little effort past what you would expect out of an arm throwing in the mid-90s.
Stuff:
Fastball - The fastball is big and loud, clocking regularly in the mid-90s,
with an ability to climb to 97/98 mph (and some reports that he hit triple-digits earlier this spring). He commands the pitch
well to both sides and does a solid job working down in the zone. There is some question as to how easy it will be for Bundy
to maintain the velocity on shorter rest over a longer season, but it's a potential plus-plus pitch.
Cutter - Bundy's cutter is an out
pitch, with borderline slider depth and late life. He snaps the pitch in the 86-88 mph range, allowing it to serve as a change-of-pace
offering. It has developed into his most effective pitch, and could be plus or better at the next level.
Curve - Bundy's curve flashes plus right
now. At its best it is a hard 12/6 breaker with good depth and hard snap. He can tighten the pitch with more use, giving it
more consistent bite and shape. The foundation is here for a third plus or better bullet in his arsenal.
Change-up - Bundy used his change-up more last year, before his cutter took
a big step forward. He has shown feel for it in the past, but will need to spend some time on it in order to bring it up to
speed. He has shown enough to hang a future 50 on it, and perhaps better considering the Texas commit's overall feel for
the craft.
Discussion:
Bundy
has separated himself as the top right-handed high school arm in the draft, and is right there with Daniel Norris (Science
Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn.) as the top prep arms in the class. Bundy has more "now" stuff than Norris, and the
overall ceiling is perhaps the best among all the draft-eligible arms. His advanced feel for three offerings and a chance
for a forth pitch that is at least average, combined with steady and repeatable mechanics and a famous work ethic and training
regimen give him a reasonably high floor for a prep pitcher. His size and past workload are two slight knocks, and while his
spring numbers have been eye-popping they have come against uneven competition (as with many prep arms). Still, he has
thrown so well this spring it's tough to envision him slipping outside of the top ten picks, or so, signing bonus demands
notwithstanding. He has an even demeanor on the mound, and is well equipped to tackle the challenges of transitioning to pro
ball.
Projected
position: #1/#2 starter on tier one team
Suggested draft slot:
Top ten overall
Videos: